JENNIFER COLEMANSOPRANO - BLOG

Watch your thoughts, they become words.Watch your words, they become actions.Watch your actions, they become habits.Watch your habits, they become your character.Watch your character, it becomes your destiny.

‘Simple Gifts’ is the 6 track debut E.P. self-released by Jennifer Coleman in 2014. All of the profits will go towards her tuition fees for studying at The Royal College of Music, London. The classical singer specialises in performing with string quartet. She is best known for singing opera arias, classical crossover songs, ballads, musical theatre numbers and hymns. The beauty of her voice has made her a popular choice for events, parties and as a wedding singer across the UK and internationally. Jennifer has won numerous awards including the Mavis Bennett Award for Grand Opera and the John Lightfoot Award for Musical Theatre at Maidenhead Music Festival. Throughout her career she has performed at the UK’s leading venues; cementing her status as a rising star of the future. She has also been praised for her efforts for charities and good causes. The Berkshire born soprano believes that classical music should be accessible to everyone. It has become her mission; “to share a piece of my heart with as many people as possible through the medium of song.” She hopes that her first E.P. ‘Simple Gifts’ will be the first of many steps towards achieving this goal.

1. Mozart: Laudate Dominum – 3:50Laudate Dominum is a sacred work written in 1779 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart as part of his Vesperae solennes de Dominica, K. 321. The work was composed for use on Sunday services “de Dominica” at the Salzburg Cathedral. This extended aria was set originally for soprano soloist and SATB choir. The first part of the text is the entire Psalm 117 and the second is the standard Catholic Doxology that follows many texts and all the Psalms. Jennifer says: “I chose Laudate Dominum becauseI like it, I think it is a great piece for introducing new listeners to classical music. The long melodic phrases attract the attention of the listener’s intrigue as it builds tension towards the climax. I also think that the meaning of this prayer is simply beautiful; a message of giving thanks.” LATIN Laudate Dominum omnes gentes / Praise the Lord, all ye nations Laudate eum omnes populi / Praise him, all ye peoples. Quoniam confirmata est / For his loving kindness mercy super nos misericordia ejus / has been bestowed upon us, et veritas Domini manet / and the truth of the Lord endures in aeternum / for eternity.

Gloria patri et filio / Glory to the Father, Son, et spiritui sancto / and to the Holy Spirit; sicut erat in principio / as it was in the beginning, et nunc et semper is now /and ever shall be, et in saecula saeculorum / world without end. Amen / Amen.

2. Traditional: Simple Gifts – 2:11This traditional Shaker melody was written and composed in 1848 by Elder Joseph Brackett. “Turning” is a common theme in Christian theology, but in the context of this song, it could also be considered dance instructions along with “to bow and to bend”. For this reason it is best to classify this as a Dance song rather than a hymn. Jennifer says: “The title song of this EP, I thought the name rang true with the message that I want to share with people; message of giving through music. I first knew this melody from singing the hymn “Lord of the Dance” at church growing up. It is timeless and the lyrics are wholesome with their message of simplicity, freedom and love.” ENGLISH 'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,And when we find ourselves in the place just right,'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.When true simplicity is gained,To bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed,To turn, turn will be our delight,Till by turning, turning we come 'round right.

3. Schubert: Ave Maria – 5:12In 1825 Franz Schubert composed one of the most famous classical songs in German as part of his settings of seven songs from Walter Scott's poem The Lady of the Lake. Originally in German and called "Ellens dritter Gesang" / “Ellen’s third song”, it became popular when the context was changed into a prayer under the title Ave Maria using traditional latin text. Jennifer says: “This is my most requested song to perform at weddings and funerals. It was the first song that I definitely knew I wanted to include on my EP. It is such a beautiful melody and instantly recognisable. It is also a very personal song for many people as it holds sentimental value from special occasions when it is often performed.” LATINAve Maria, gratia plena, / Hail Mary, full of grace,Maria, gratia plena / Mary, full of grace,Ave, Ave, Dominus / Hail, Hail, the LordDominus tecum / The Lord is with thee.Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus, / Blessed art thou among women, and blessedEt benedictus fructus ventris (tui), / Blessed is the fruit of thy womb,Ventris tui, Jesus. / Thy womb, JesusAve Maria! Ave Maria!Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, / Holy Mary, Mother of God,Ora pro nobis peccatoribus, / Pray for us sinners,Ora, ora pro nobis; / Pray, pray for us;Ora, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, / Pray for us sinners,Nunc et in hora mortis, / Now, and at the hour of our deathIn hora mortis nostrae. / The hour of our death.Ave Maria! / Ave Maria!4. Bizet: Habanera – 4:19From the opera Carmen by George Bizet in 1875, Habanera is the popular name for the aria “L'amour est un oiseau rebelle" / “Love is a rebellious bird”. The name habanera comes from a dance rhythm used throughout the aria that came over from Cuba; the “habanera rhythm”. Melodically the aria is based on a descending chromatic scale and variations of this in both major and minor depending on the mood of the lyrics. Jennifer says: “In the opera Carmen, this is the first time we meet the title character; she is dark, fierce, beautiful, a seductress and not your usual heroine. Carmen was one of the first operas that I performed in as part of the chorus during my undergraduate studies at The Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. This was always my favourite scene.” FRENCH L'amour est un oiseau rebelle / Love is a rebellious bird Que nul ne peut apprivoiser, / That none can tame, Et c'est bien en vain qu'on l'appelle, / And it is well in vain that one calls it S'il lui convient de refuser. / If it suits him to refuse Rien n'y fait, menace ou prière; / Nothing to be done, threat or prayer. L'un parle bien, l'autre se tait, / The one talks well, the other is silent; Et c'est l'autre que je préfère; / And it's the other that I prefer Il n'a rien dit mais il me plaît. / He says nothing but he pleases me. L’amour… / Love… L'amour est l'enfant de Bohême, / Love is a gypsy's child, Il n'a jamais, jamais connu de loi; / It has never, never known the law; Si tu ne m'aimes pas, je t'aime; / If you do not love me, I love you; Si je t'aime, prends garde à toi! / If I love you, take guard yourself Si tu ne m'aimes pas, / If you do not love me, Si tu ne m'aimes pas, je t'aime; / If you do not love me, I love you Mais si je t'aime, si je t'aime; / But if I love you, if I love you Prends garde à toi! / Take guard yourself! L'oiseau que tu croyais surprendre / The bird you hoped to catch Battit de l'aile et s'envola. / Beat its wings and flew away L'amour est loin, tu peux l'attendre; / Love is far, you can wait for it Tu ne l'attends plus, il est là. / You no longer await it, there it is Tout autour de toi, vite, vite, / All around you, swift, swift, Il vient, s'en va, puis il revient. / It comes, goes, then it returns. Tu crois le tenir, il t'évite, / You think to hold it fast, it flees you Tu crois l'éviter, il te tient! / You think to flee it, it holds you

5. Puccini: O mio babbino caro – 3:25From Puccini’s 1918 opera Gianni Schicchi, “O mio babbino caro” is probably one of the most popular lyrical arias in a soprano’s standard repertoire; often performed as an encore after recitals. In the aria Lauretta is pleading with her father to let her marry the man that she loves; or else she will throw herself into a River. Jennifer says: “Lauretta is a classic diva – she knows exactly what she wants, and she tries to manipulate her father in how to get it. The melodic line (as with many of Puccini’s melodies) is simply divine and really fits the soprano voice like a glove. I love singing this, and when I do, I feel such a connection with it. I can easily get lost in the moment performing this aria.” ITALIANO mio babbino caro, / Oh my dear papa, mi piace, è bello, bello. / I love him, he is handsome, handsome. Vo'andare in Porta Rossa / I want to go to Porta Rossa a comperar l'anello! / To buy the ring!

Sì, sì, ci voglio andare! / Yes, yes, I want to go there! e se l'amassi indarno, / And if my love were in vain, andrei sul Ponte Vecchio, / I would go to the Ponte Vecchio ma per buttarmi in Arno! / And throw myself in the Arno!

6. Mozart: Alleluia – 2:47Mozart wrote “Alleluia” in 1773 as part of his motet “Exsultate, Jubilate” K. 165. Originally written for castrato, since the extinction of this type of singer (a male who has been castrated so his voice did not change at puberty), in modern times it is performed by Soprano. Alleluia is the Allegro movement. Jennifer says: “I thought that beginning and ending with Mozart was a nice way to unify my EP. “Alleluia” (although still a religious work) is drastically different from “Laudate Dominum” by the same composer. The coloratura (fast notes) in this piece are technically challenging and the atmosphere of both songs are quite contrasting.

I have recorded my debut E.P. Simple Gifts with String Quartet and it will be available to download on Friday 14th February 2014! YAY!All of the profits will go towards my £10,017 tuition fees for studying at The Royal College of Music in London.

I have decided to sell my music on a “pay what you want” philosophy. If you aren’t too sure about classical music this gives you the option to “try before you buy.” If you don’t have money you can download it for free, but I ask that you share my music with your friends in return. If you like it you can always come back at another time when you are able to.

And if you are more financially free, you can use this as an opportunity to support my art, and allow access to other listeners through your generosity.

Here is where I need your help: I need your support in sharing my music with your friends.

I believe that classical music should be accessible to everyone. My mission is to “to share a piece of my heart with as many people as possible through the medium of song”. I encourage audiences to share my songs; introducing new listeners to classical music.

I hope that you will support my art and help me on my musical journey on Friday 14th February when my debut E.P. Simple Gifts will become available to download.

With Valentine's day just around the corner I thought it would be a nice idea to write a blog post about love. As a single woman I have learned and continue to learn much about love, heart-ache and taking risks. Growing up I watched lots of films, musicals and operas with strong themes of love. This has created unrealistic expectations in my mind about what love can be. I dream that one day someone would be willing to die for me, and I for them. A love that is selfless, giving and eternal. If you ever find this kind of love, hold on to it. It is a rare and special thing.And if you have already found it (you lucky thing), let that person know you love them every day.

Someone came into my life recently and shared with me this letter from John Steinbeck about love that he wrote in 1958. I think that it is beautiful and moving and realistic. What a wonderful letter from father to son!

In November of 1958, John Steinbeck — the renowned author of, most notably, The Grapes of Wrath, East of Eden, and Of Mice and Men — received a letter from his eldest son, Thom, who was attending boarding school. In it, the teenager spoke of Susan, a young girl with whom he believed he had fallen in love.

Steinbeck replied the same day. His beautiful letter of advice can be enjoyed below.

(Source: Steinbeck: A Life in Letters; Image: Thom and John Steinbeck with their father in 1954, courtesy of UC Berkeley.)

New YorkNovember 10, 1958

Dear Thom:

We had your letter this morning. I will answer it from my point of view and of course Elaine will from hers.

First—if you are in love—that’s a good thing—that’s about the best thing that can happen to anyone. Don’t let anyone make it small or light to you.

Second—There are several kinds of love. One is a selfish, mean, grasping, egotistical thing which uses love for self-importance. This is the ugly and crippling kind. The other is an outpouring of everything good in you—of kindness and consideration and respect—not only the social respect of manners but the greater respect which is recognition of another person as unique and valuable. The first kind can make you sick and small and weak but the second can release in you strength, and courage and goodness and even wisdom you didn’t know you had.

You say this is not puppy love. If you feel so deeply—of course it isn’t puppy love.

But I don’t think you were asking me what you feel. You know better than anyone. What you wanted me to help you with is what to do about it—and that I can tell you.

Glory in it for one thing and be very glad and grateful for it.

The object of love is the best and most beautiful. Try to live up to it.

If you love someone—there is no possible harm in saying so—only you must remember that some people are very shy and sometimes the saying must take that shyness into consideration.

Girls have a way of knowing or feeling what you feel, but they usually like to hear it also.

It sometimes happens that what you feel is not returned for one reason or another—but that does not make your feeling less valuable and good.

Lastly, I know your feeling because I have it and I’m glad you have it.

We will be glad to meet Susan. She will be very welcome. But Elaine will make all such arrangements because that is her province and she will be very glad to. She knows about love too and maybe she can give you more help than I can.

And don’t worry about losing. If it is right, it happens—The main thing is not to hurry. Nothing good gets away.